Mobile Device Positioning Using LIDAR Building Corner Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
GPS and satellite-based positioning systems face accuracy issues in urban canyons due to reduced satellite visibility and multipath reflections, leading to inaccurate position calculations.
Innovation Solution
The use of distance measurements from building corners or edges, obtained using range finding devices like LIDAR sensors, and stored coordinates from building models to calculate the position of a mobile device, even when GPS readings are inaccurate or unavailable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite-based positioning systems are used in urban canyons, then positioning coverage is provided, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to multipath reflections and signal blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces building corners as intermediary reference objects between the mobile device and satellites. By measuring distances to these visible building corners using LIDAR and comparing with stored building model data, the system establishes an alternative positioning pathway that bypasses the multipath-affected satellite signal path, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining positioning availability and improving accuracy in urban canyon environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the radio wave-based satellite positioning mechanism with an optical measurement mechanism (LIDAR). By substituting the electromagnetic wave propagation path susceptible to multipath effects with direct optical distance measurements to building corners, the system eliminates the harmful multipath reflections while maintaining positioning functionality in urban canyons
2Ease of operation
If GPS signals are used for positioning, then positioning service is provided, but signal reliability deteriorates due to building blockage and multipath effects
Solution Approach 1:
Building corners serve as intermediary reference points that are directly observable by LIDAR and have known coordinates from building models. This intermediary measurement path provides a reliable alternative to GPS signals that are blocked or corrupted by buildings, maintaining positioning service availability while improving signal reliability through a different physical measurement modality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from radio wave travel time (GPS) to optical distance measurement (LIDAR). This parameter change allows direct measurement of distance to building corners without being affected by radio wave multipath reflections, thereby improving signal reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated sensor-based measurement
3Device complexity
If only satellite-based positioning is used, then system complexity is minimized, but positioning accuracy in occluded areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the positioning system multi-functional by enabling it to operate in both open sky and urban canyon environments. The LIDAR sensor and building model database add functionality that works complementarily with GPS, allowing the system to automatically select or switch between satellite-based positioning and building corner-based positioning depending on environmental conditions, thereby improving accuracy in occluded areas without excessively increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses stored building model data as a copy of the physical building structures. By comparing LIDAR-measured distances to building corners with distances calculated from stored building model coordinates, the system creates a virtual reference framework that enables accurate positioning in urban canyons without requiring complex real-time processing, thus balancing improved accuracy with manageable system complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables seamless positioning in urban environments by supplementing satellite-based systems with building corner data, improving accuracy and reliability by reducing the impact of multipath errors and occlusions.
Implementation Method 1
distance measurements from building corners or edges, obtained using range finding devices like LIDAR sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, the position of a mobile device is determined based, at least on part, of the relative locations of two or more nearby points. Distance data, received from a range finding sensor, corresponds to distances to the two or more nearby points from the mobile device. A predetermined model that includes previously recorded locations for objects is accessed to receive location data for two or more nearby points. A position of the mobile device is calculated based on the location data and the distance data. The nearby points may be building edges or building corners. The calculation may involve a series of equations. The series of equations may include satellite-based positioning equations in addition to equations based on the predetermined model.